Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

News

Decades-old naval shell in front garden prompts bomb squad alert

Published

on

AN UNASSUMING naval shell, a longstanding fixture in the front garden of a Milford Haven home for 74 years, unexpectedly triggered an emergency bomb squad response after police were alerted to its presence.

On the evening of Wednesday, November 29, police visited the residence of Jeffrey and Sian Edwards. Officers arrived with a request: to photograph an old shell in their garden for expert analysis.

Jeffrey Edwards, a retired ambulance driver, shared with The Herald a fascinating backstory. “Believe it or not, the Navy used to practice shelling the beach and cliffs at Broad Haven,” he recounted. “Pops Morris, a local lemonade seller from Milford Haven, once found a large shell on the beach and brought it home on his then famous horse and cart, where it has sat in our garden for over seven decades.”

Despite local rumors suggesting it was a World War II artifact, Jeffrey knew it predated that era. However, after examining the photographs, authorities informed Jeffrey of their concerns. The experts didn’t like the look of the shell, necessitating a response from a bomb disposal team.

Jeffrey humorously added, “They warned that the street might need evacuating. Luckily, that wasn’t necessary – I wouldn’t have been the most popular neighbour!”

As promised, the bomb disposal team, accompanied by the fire brigade, arrived the next day. After careful examination, including an X-ray, it was determined that the shell, surprisingly still charged, could be safely moved for controlled detonation.

The chosen site for disposal was a disused quarry at Walwyn’s Castle. There, the shell was buried under sand and detonated, creating a resounding boom that split the artifact in half. The bomb disposal team later confirmed that the shell was a British manufacture, dating back to between 1880 and 1890.

Reflecting on the incident’s resolution, Jeffrey mused, “Perhaps the two halves will be reassembled and find a new home in a museum.”

 

Community

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

Published

on

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

 

Continue Reading

News

150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

Published

on

A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

Published

on

Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

 

Continue Reading

Community2 hours ago

The gentle giant behind the tattoos

Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong JOSH Davies is hard...

Charity1 day ago

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at...

Community1 day ago

Lord Rhys emerges from the mist in St Davids

Giant puppet begins historic journey marking 850 years since the first Eisteddfod MIST swirled around St Davids Cathedral on Friday...

News2 days ago

Tragic tribute paid to Haverfordwest man after A4075 collision

FAMILY REMEMBERS “KIND AND LOVING” CALLUM HANSON THE FAMILY of a 22-year-old man from Haverfordwest who died following a road...

News3 days ago

Motorcyclist, 22, dies in A4075 crash in Pembrokeshire

A 22-year-old woman remains in hospital after two-vehicle collision A MOTORCYCLIST has died following a serious two-vehicle crash on the...

Community3 days ago

Why police will be visiting every home in Pembrokeshire

New operation aims to knock on more than 257,000 doors across Dyfed-Powys over the next three years DYFED-POWYS POLICE has...

Crime3 days ago

Prisons at breaking point: MPs warn Wales is paying the price of a failing system

Frozen healthcare budgets, overcrowded jails, homelessness on release and mounting pressure on staff are undermining rehabilitation across Wales, according to...

News4 days ago

Brexit at 10: How Britain was sold a dream that cost us dearly

A decade after the referendum, the promised benefits remain hard to find while the economic costs are increasingly difficult to...

Crime4 days ago

Worcestershire man jailed after violent attack on woman in Tenby

Defendant was already serving a suspended sentence when serious assault took place A WORCESTERSHIRE man has been jailed for more...

Climate4 days ago

Offshore wind ‘could bring new generation of jobs to Milford Haven’

Pembrokeshire ports and Celtic Sea projects placed at centre of Wales’ green energy ambitions MILFORD HAVEN and Pembroke Dock could...

Popular This Week